Iris

Iris is the largest genus in the Iridaceae family. It contains more than 300 species and many hybrids and cultivars. It's useful to become familiar with the groups or subgenus divisions, as this helps to sort out similar species, an aid when approaching their cultivation.

The topic of the week for March 2004 was Iris. The Introduction was supplied by Robert Pries. He also prepared an Iris Summary summarizing the proposed changes in how this genus could be divided in the future.

The Iris flower has three fold symmetry. The lower sepals are called 'falls' and provide an attractive landing pad for pollinators (bees). To get at the nectar they must push up the 'style arm' and as they do this pollen on them is removed by the 'stigmatic lip' pollinating the flower. New pollen is then applied from the stamen and as the insect backs out the structure of the lip ensures the new pollen is not removed. Captioned photographs by David Pilling of Iris sibirica.

In Greek mythology, Iris was goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the gods.